Ingushetia: sightseeing and entertainment

Ingushetia is the smallest republic in our vast country. On the one hand it is surrounded by high mountains, on the other - stretches of green plains and hills. Here are beautiful landscapes that will not leave anyone indifferent. Besides natural riches and splendor, Ingushetia is famous for its architectural heritage. So, let's get acquainted with this republic and its sights.

Official data

The capital of the republic is the famous city of Magas, located not far from Nazran (just 5 km east of the largest city). It is famous for being a city that was specially built as a capital. The area of the republic is only 3628 km ² , and the population reaches 480 thousand people.

Geography and climate

The republic is located in the central part of the Greater Caucasus Range, therefore the whole territory can be conditionally divided into two parts: the north is the steppe and flat areas, the south is the mountains, valleys and gorges. Here there are two large rivers Sunzha and Nazran, which enter the Caspian Sea basin. In addition to attractions, Ingushetia is rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, marble and dolomites. There are also many sources with medicinal, thermal and mineral waters. The climate is continental, which means a moderately hot summer and a warm winter. It is for the unusually beautiful nature and pleasant weather that the tourists of small Ingushetia fell in love.

Sightseeing: location

In the republic an invisible line has been drawn between the mountains, where all history and antiquity is kept, and a plain in which every building represents the present. These are absolutely two different worlds, interesting and unlike each other.

The mountainous part of Ingushetia is called a "country of towers" by local residents. Despite the deserted and lack of many benefits of civilization, there is a magnificent atmosphere of luxury and beauty. Perhaps the main attraction of Ingushetia lies precisely in these mountains, with their small villages, majestic towers, castles and temples. Each abandoned ancient village is an architectural monument.

Djeyrakh region is the heart of Ingushetia

The oldest part of the republic, which has preserved the main historical monuments, is in the village of Jeyrah. Translated from the Ingush language, this means "heart of the mountains". Many centuries ago, the ancestors of modern Ingush lived here, who built many temples and sanctuaries. Here are preserved the best architectural monuments of Ingushetia and the sights of the times of the first settlers.

Many tourists call this area "little Switzerland" for an unusually pleasant climate and a stunning landscape. Picturesque views of valleys, drowning in the summer in green grass, rich fauna, mountain rivers, clean air - all this makes rest in Ingushetia unforgettable.

The most famous sights of Ingushetia

Photo and video materials will not be enough to appreciate the scale of the magnificence that reigns in this small paradise. It is best to go and see the main architectural structures of the republic alive. Below are the most famous and visited places in Ingushetia.

1. The ancient temple Thaba-Erde was built already in the VIII century, the order for its erection was signed by the very Queen Tamara. This temple is considered the oldest building in Russia. He is in Jeyrah, right in the middle of the majestic mountains. The building itself is built in the form of a parallelepiped, decorated with carvings and stucco, and its roof - gable. This is a very interesting architectural monument, on the west side of which stretches a composition with biblical characters. In addition to Jesus Christ, on the wall there is a first ktitor who paid for his needs and practically kept the whole temple.
2. Sanctuary Myatzil is located on the border with Georgia, on the mountain peak Miyat-Loam. This architectural landmark of Ingushetia is very popular among tourists and historians, and not for nothing. It was in this ancient room, built with bent inside walls, with two doorways and small niches, that instead of windows there were public gatherings and prayers for rain. In honor of the deity of Meat-Seli, sacrifices and lavish feasts were held, which were headed by the priest of the village. Similar ritual prayers existed until the end of the XIX century.
3. The complex of Metskhal is a whole village located on Mount Matl. It consists of many tower buildings and is one of the oldest architectural monuments. This village served as the economic and cultural center of the Djeyra district in the late Middle Ages.

Fortress Vovnushki - a unique monument of history and architecture

The complex, located in Jeyrahsky district, was first mentioned in the documents of the XVIII century. Scientists suggest that it was built much earlier. The fortress was built for defensive purposes to protect against the attack of Chechen neighbors, so it is located in a strategically advantageous place - in the river gorge, next to the rocks, where no enemy could reach. Vovnushki complex is a structure like pyramidal shaped towers, but only with a truncated top. In total there are three towers, each of which has its own purpose. For example, one served as a place where old men, women and children were sent in the event of a settlement siege, while the other served as a storehouse for weapons and food. Ingushetia, whose sights are one of the most significant on the whole territory of Russia, especially singles out this complex. Vovnushki is officially considered to be an important historical and architectural treasure belonging to the state natural museum-preserve.

Moslem attractions

The dominant religion in the Republic of Ingushetia (whose sights will be considered specifically from a religious point of view) is the Islam of the Sunni interpretation. Among the population there are Orthodox, but their number is several times less than the Muslim one.

The oldest architectural monument belonging to the Muslim culture is the mausoleum of the early burial of the Borg-Kash. It is located on the bank of the river Sunzha and is an architectural monument of federal significance, which is protected by the state. The mausoleum is a white stone small building with a rectangular base and a dome-shaped ceiling. It was built in 1405 and buried in him a nobleman Bek-Sultan. Many people come here to pray and thank the Almighty.

The charm of nature

The most beautiful landscapes are found in the same Jeyrah district, where among the high mountains stretch magnificent valleys with their villages and architectural monuments. A pleasant climate, clean mountain air, useful plants, real healing water are the main natural qualities of Ingushetia.

Since the days of tsarist Russia noble noblemen have come to rest here, and even more people have learned about this wonderful land in Soviet rule, so there are enough sanatoriums and rest homes here.

The resort zone "Armhi" is a large complex located near the valley of the same river. This resort has a wide range of entertainment, but perhaps the most famous are the ski slopes, whose height reaches more than 1150 meters. Sanatoria and health resorts are scattered all over Ingushetia, each of them specializes in something definite. For example, the complex "Jeyrah" accepts guests with diseases of the cardiovascular system. The curative effect of climate and a properly chosen diet revitalize patients in the shortest possible time.

It is worthwhile to visit this republic at least once and see with your own eyes all the architectural and natural attractions of the country in order to understand and appreciate the great significance of the cultural heritage of Ingushetia.